Somebody seemed destined to get knocked out in the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main event.
Middleweight star Shara Magomedov’s double-spinning back fist KO win over Armen Petrosyan was still fresh in the memory of fight fans ahead of his matchup with long-time welterweight contender Michael Page.
‘Venom’ possesses an incredible highlight reel that includes a skull-fracturing flying knee knockout.
Shara Magomedov and his English opponent promised a standup fight and they delivered – but it didn’t end how everyone expected as they battled for the full three rounds at the anb Arena in Riyadh on Saturday night.
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Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov vs Michael ‘Venom’ Page result
Page walked away with a unaminous decision win courtesy of 30-27, 30 27, and 29-28 scorecards.
A knockout seemed certain in this matchup, but neither man came close to closing the show.
It was lots of movement early from both men. ‘MVP’ bounced around in his signature stance and threatened with head kicks. However, by the midway point of round one, he decided to shoot for a surprising takedown on his opponent.
The one-eyed Russian showed off some impressive grappling skills to keep the fight standing and appease the fans who were expecting an all-out striking battle.
Page connected with a punch that got a thumbs up from Magomedov before landing a spinning heel kick to the face just before the first round came to an end.
‘Bullet’ racked up points with his leg kicks, but he was unable to land clean upstairs during the first five minutes of the biggest fight of his career to date
Page kicked off the second stanza by crashing forward with a leaping shot that temporarily knocked Magomedov off balance.
The former Bellator title contender really enjoyed himself through the midsection of the fight, landing with flying knees and throwing spinning attacks.
Magomedov struggled to land anything of note through 10 minutes. The 30-year-old was told by his coaches to leave it all in the Octagon, and he did up the pace in the final frame – but it wasn’t enough.
Michael Page reacts to beating Shara Magomedov
The #15 ranked welterweight contender spoke to ex-lightweight star Paul Felder after his big win.
“Big up, Saudi Arabia,” Page said. “Thank you for having me here.
“You guys are extremely welcoming and I hope you would love to have me back.
“Please, I would love to come back.”
Page then looked directly into the camera and said a famous line from the movie ‘Captain Phillips’.
He added: “Everybody, look at me! Look at me! I am the captain now!”